Generic Preventive Measures - Checklist

To assist States with the implementation of Article 9 and Part 3 of the Technical Annex, in 2009 the then Coordinator on Generic Preventive Measures, Colonel Jean-Christophe Le Roux of France, developed a questionnaire which serves as a checklist for States to consider when they are developing procedures, guidelines or regulations on the implementation of generic preventive measures. The checklist has been reproduced in full below. It can also be found in Protocol V document CCW/P.V/CONF/2010/6/Add.1, 11 November 2010. Essentially the checklist is a tool to facilitate the implementation of generic preventive measures. While it does not have any legal status, it is hoped that the checklist will clarify various issues, establish best practises and serve to monitor and improve the implementation of generic preventive measures at the national level.

1. Specification

2. Concept

3. Development

Reducing UXO sensitivity

Reducing potential civilian casualties from ERW

Qualification work

4. Production

5. Utilisation - 5.1 Storage

5.2 Transportation and handling

5.3 Training

5.4 Using(a) Does the user apply the correct procedure of use? (b) If not, for operational reasons, does he report these cases? (c) Are these cases analysed and taken into account for other project specifications? (d) Is there a system in place to record the batches/lots of munitions as they are distributed? (e) Is there a procedure for munitions incidents, defects and accidents to be reported, recorded, analysed and for action to be taken during development, production and in service (especially during training)? (f) Is there a system of “lessons learnt” and their dissemination in the entire armed forces? (e.g.: measures taken in case in accident)

9. Others questions for storage related to safety(a) Is the risk of explosion in stockpiles minimized by the use of appropriate stockpile arrangements? (b) Where munitions temporarily cannot be stored in accordance with regulations e.g. in temporary tactical deployments is there a risk reduction procedure such as “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” that can be followed (e.g. : minimum safety distances to reduce risk of sympathetic explosion, construction of blast walls)? (c) Is access to the storage site restricted (e.g.: perimeter fenced, guard forces…)? (d) Is the storage site located a safe distance from personnel at all times? (e) Are adequate emergency fire-fighting procedures in place?